Traveller Window Frames

[iandromiskin]

I'am finally getting around to putting in new window frames / runners to the traveller but I have totally forgotton where to start or how to do it. Can anyone tell me where to start and what to do next in order ? Ie do I put in the bottom runner, then the sides and top and insert the window or is there a correct order to do it ? Also I presume you use copious amounts of sealer and screws to hold the runner down.

Any help would be appriciated as I'am doing this during the june bank holiday soon.

[Stig]

I did mine a few years ago and they need replacing again now. I didn't bother changing the top runners so that'll be a clue as to the sequence (I really can't remember now). DumDum is the correct sealant, you need to seal the runners against the inner wood rail, water will drain out if the drain holes are clear. The runners are held in with pins/nails or even brass or s/s screws if you want to be posh.

Erm, that's all I can think of.

[Kevin]

Start with the outside top followed by the sides and finally the bottom you will need the glass in it and place it in the upper one before swinging into position, if its a bit tight you may need to use a flat scraper or similar to tease it into place, then do the same with the inside set.
On the couple I have done there were held in place with nice rusty screw's and I would advise using stainless screws as they are stronger than brass screws with a touch of copper grease to help things, you will need to put them in near the corners of the runners so that they clear the glass. Before fixing the bottom runner move the glass through its whole movement to make sure that the screws are giving clearance with no scraping or catching sounds.
Another point is to make sure the slots in the bottom runners line up with the drain holes which they often don't and if not drill some holes in the correct position so you can clean the drain holes when required.
As mentioned you need to seal the wood cappings against the runners with dum dum I found a bead around the size of a pencil to be fine and it when tightened up a little oozed out at the top comfiriming the seal, you need to place it at the join of the runner and timber.
Also place a bead of dum dum at the end of the waist rail where the upper door capping fits as this is a common place for a leak.
Don't put any sealer under the runners as you want them as free draining as possible.
The worst bit is laying on your back putting the screw's in the upper runners

[iandromiskin]

Cheers guys for all that. I'll give it a go and see how I get on.

[iandromiskin]

you will need to put them in near the corners of the runners so that they clear the glass. Before fixing the bottom runner move the glass through its whole movement to make sure that the screws are giving clearance with no scraping or catching sounds.

Do you need to put any screw or nails in the middle or along the runners to hold them in place or are they snug enough ? I only ask as when I removed the old runners there were about five - six scres along the lower runner along its length.

Don't put any sealer under the runners as you want them as free draining as possible.

I was actually told to do the opposite To put loads of sealer along the runners, except at the drain holes obviously. Maybe he just ment the top and side runners and not the bottom one ?????

[Kevin]

Well I put some screw's in the outer runners top bottom and ends as thats how they were obviously the lower ones are fixed where there is room to do so with the glass in place, the lower inner didn't have any in it and as it needs slight springing to get in place its quite secure and then you have the capping as well so nothing moves.
Well there was no sealer in my top runners or the end ones and as they are a snug fit it doesn't appear to have caused any problems in the past so I did the same I think it was designed like that so that any water runs down and into the lower runners then into the grooves and out of the drain holes, the one place to make sure there is a good seal is with the upper door capping meets the rail as its a well known source of a water leak if not sealed well, its all obvious when you have it to hand.